The Power of Being Kind
Being kind is a vital way of bringing meaning to our own lives as well as the lives of others. Being kind allows us to communicate better with others, to be more self-compassionate, and also to be a positive force in people's lives. Kindness has its true source deep within us, and while some people are innately kind, kindness is something that can be cultivated.
Care for Others Genuinely
At its most basic, kindness is about caring for others around you, wanting the best for them, and recognizing in them the same wants, needs, aspirations, and even fears that you have too. Kindness is warm, patient, trusting, loyal, and grateful. Ultimately, kindness is a deep caring for all beings. The greatest kindness expects nothing in return, comes with no strings attached, and places no conditions on anything done or said.
Be Kind to Yourself
Many people make the error of trying to be kind to others while at the same time not focusing on being kind to themselves. Take time to become more self-aware and use what you learn to be kinder to yourself and to others.
Learn Kindness from Others
Think about truly kind people in your life and how they make you feel. Remember how other people's kindness "makes your day". What is it about their kindness that makes you feel special and cherished? Are there things that they do that you can also do with the kindness from your own heart?
Cultivate Kindness for the Good of Your Own Health
Improved mental health and happiness comes from thinking more positively, and kindness is a positive mental state. While kindness is about giving and being open to others, giving kindness returns a sense of well-being and connectedness to us that improves our own mental state and health. Although simple, the very ability to be kind is in itself a powerful and consistent reward, a self-esteem booster.
Make a Habit of Focusing on Kindness
Kindness is a habit and is one that everyone can learn. Be kind, friendly, and compassionate when you interact with someone, even more so where that person normally makes you angry, stressed, or bothered. Use kindness as your strength.
Be King to Everyone Not Just People in Need
Expand your circle of kindness. The trouble with restricting our kindness to "convenient" cases is that we fail to recognize that we need to be kind to everyone, no matter who they are, their level of wealth or fortune, their values and beliefs, their behavior and attitudes, their place of origin, their likeness to ourselves, etc...
By choosing to be kind only to those we feel are deserving of kindness, we are unleashing our own biases and judgment, and only practicing conditional kindness. Real kindness encompasses all beings and while the challenges you'll face may be trying at times, you'll never stop learning about yourself and your ability to be truly kind.
Minimize Judgment
If you really want to be kind, then you have to kick your judgment to the curb. Instead of being critical of other people, work on being more positive and compassionate. Focus on wanting to help others instead of judging them for not being better that they are. Being kind means giving people the benefit of the doubt instead of expecting perfection.
Be Present and Be a Good Listener
The greatest gift of kindness to another person is to be in the moment in their presence, to be listening with care, and to genuinely attentive to them. When talking to someone, learn to listen with your whole being and pay attention to them until they're done revealing their thoughts and feelings.
Take an Interest in People
People who are truly kind are genuinely interested in other people. These people care about how others are doing and want those around them to be happy and healthy.
Do Random Acts of Kindness
Carry our a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.